(KTNC)-- A big weekend is in store, and a big crowd is expected, at Peru State College Saturday.
The Bobcats open the 2014 football season with a home game against Midland University, and Peru State will rededicate the historic Oak Bowl before the game.
The stadium, which dates back to 1901, has undergone a $9 million renovation over the last two years. Peru State President Dan Hanson says fans who come to the Oak Bowl Saturday will see a “beautiful, state-of-the-art, facility” and one of the finest small college stadiums in the Midwest. The renovation includes new field turf, drainage and stadium lights, as well as a new press box, concession stand, ADA compliant restrooms, expanded concourse area, and pedestrian access.
The upgrades were paid for with a combination of state funds and private donations. Hanson credits former District One State Senator and current Lieutenant Governor Lavon Heidemann and District 48 State Senator John Harms for leading the effort to provide state funds for the project, along with the State College System Board of Trustees, Chancellor Stan Carpenter, and many others have contributed to the college’s matching funds.
More than 70 people who contributed $2500 or more are included on a donor wall that will be dedicated at 3:00 p.m. Saturday. The largest donation was from the Sapp brothers, who gave a large gift to the college in honor of their mother and sisters who attended Peru State College.
A ceremony will be held to rededicate the stadium at 6:40 Saturday evening, with the game to kick-off at 7:00 p.m.
With a large crowd expected for the ceremony and game Saturday, Hanson advises fans to arrive early. Shuttles will be available to transport people from parking lots to the stadium.
In addition to hosting Bobcat football, the renovated field will be able to host soccer games. The facility will also be used for Peru State intramurals and other events including band competitions, camps and high school football playoffs.
Saturday's game will be the first night game at Peru State in more than three decades. The lights short-circuited during a game on September 24, 1983 and haven't been used since.
© Many Signals Communications
MOST VIEWED STORIES
Three former Atchison Co employees arrested on felonies
Effingham woman killed Friday in Atchison wreck
One hospitalized, one jailed, after Atchison attack
Atchison man involved in fatal NW MO crash
Rural Horton man arrested on multiple drug charges
Services set for Effingham woman killed in crash
Street lights to be discussed at Monday city meeting
Barricaded fugitive arrested in Jackson County
Meteorologist Spencer: Geometric Watch means electronic disruptions
Two file to challenge local legislator
USD 430 Board accepts resignations, approves new hires
Fatal Atchison apt fire investigation continues
U.S. 36 work in Doniphan Co to impact motorists
Results from SE Nebraska contested Primary Elections
Truck fire at CGB facility in Falls City
Flags to fly half staff Wednesday across KS
Date set for signals switch at Hiawatha intersection
LATEST STORIES
Doniphan Co Attorney files for re-election
State Board approves land transfer agreements
Nemaha NRD Board appoints new Director
Johnson-Brock Board approves personnel changes
KS Omnibus Budget signed; funds mental health, economy, others
Pawnee City School to move forward with strategic planning
Falls City High School parking lot project approved
Annual fire hydrant flushing underway in Falls City
RELATED STORIES
Former Peru State College president dies
Grant Awarded For Project Involving Peru State Professors
All College Reunion at Peru State
Peru State Not Liable For Student Disappearance
Gov. Ricketts to Speak at Peru State Commencement
Ribbon Cut on New Peru State Facility
Peru State College To Host Job Fair
Olympic Gold Medalist to Speak At Peru State